Rotorheads

Much of the coverage of the police search of Sir Cliff Richard's Sunningdale flat has been uncomfortable, online, in the papers, and on tv and radio, and in remarkable contrast to the secrecy around the original moves against Rolf Harris.

BBC cameras were set up ready for the event, with a helicopter ready to zoom in. South Yorkshire police deny tipping them off. That leaves Thames Valley police or other sources. Online, the coverage became the story, and BBC Correspondent Danny Shaw implied a police tip-off: "...it appears to be a deliberate attempt by police to ensure maximum coverage. That's not illegal - but there are strict guidelines - and the force may have to justify its approach in the months to come".

By the 10 O'Clock News, we had a four-minute lead sequence, based on "just a search - one allegation - strenously denied", including a live satellite from outside Sir Cliff's Algarve estate, where he wasn't. There are more players here than just the police in delivering "maximum coverage".  Where will the Harding regime deploy its choppers next, in the hunt for "original journalism", and at what cost ?

1655 Friday update, from the Editor of the Mirror:

South Yorks police have confirmed working with a media outlet (BBC) over Cliff raid
— Lloyd Embley (@Mirror_Editor) August 15, 2014

--which crosses with the man now in charge of newsgathering at the BBC, Jonathan Munro

Lots of q's re original source of @BBCNews story on Cliff Richard. We won't say who, but can confirm it was not South Yorks Police.

— Jonathan Munro (@jonathancmunro) August 15, 2014